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Acts 17:29

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Since we're literally God's children, we really shouldn't think that God is anything like those gold, silver, or stone statues that people craft with their hands.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

If you're made in God's image, why would you worship something made in yours?

📚 Historical Context

In Acts 17, the Apostle Paul is in Athens, a city famous for its philosophy and widespread idolatry, where he engages with Epicurean and Stoic philosophers. He speaks at the Areopagus, referencing their altar to an unknown god and quoting their poets to affirm that humans are offspring of God, emphasizing God's transcendence. Paul then warns against the folly of representing the divine as man-made idols of gold, silver, or stone, challenging the cultural practice of idol worship prevalent in ancient Greek society.

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